Raiders land 9 prospects to complete full 2023 NFL Draft class
The 2023 NFL Draft has come to a close. And there are nine new Raiders as a result.
The Raiders began with 12 selections, but after making several trades up, their final tally was nine. Only four of those picks are their original picks — No. 7, 70, 100, and 231.
Here is the full class.
Round 1, pick 7 -- Tyree Wilson, ED, Texas Tech
Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson (DL49) poses during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
They stayed put to begin the draft and took the best consensus best player on the board, landing the lengthy edge rusher to team up with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones.
Round 2, pick 35 -- TE Michael Mayer
Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch for a touchdown during the Notre Dame vs. California NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.
Notre Dame Vs California
Projected as a mid-first round pick in the draft lead-up, some had him as the best tight end in the draft. The Raiders jumped at the chance to get him, trading up from 38 to 35 to make the pick.
Round 3, pick 70 -- Byron Young, DT, Alabama
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama defensive lineman Byron Young (DL18) participates in the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With their early Round three pick, the Raiders address the defensive tackle spot with the 6-3, 294-pounder.
Round 3, pick 100 -- Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
Nov 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Temple Owls during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
In a surprising move, the Raiders add another slot receiver to the roster. Tucker can also return kicks and player gunner on coverage teams. He rounded out the team’s Day two.
Round 4, pick 104 -- Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
Oct 8, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Charlie Jones (15) knocks the ball away from Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jakorian Bennett (2) during the second half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
With pick 109 in the fourth round, the Raiders couldn’t wait, so they jumped up to 104 to make sure they landed the speedy cornerback. Clearly they’re hoping he can come in and compete for a starting job right away and the secondary can use all the competition it can get.
Round 4, pick 135 -- Aidan O'Connell, QB, Purdue
Feb 2, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; East quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16) throws the ball against the West during the Shrine Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Most expected the Raiders would go after a quarterback in the first couple rounds. The Raider waited and then once again moved up to ensure they got the guy they wanted, jumping from pick 144 to 135.
Round 5, pick 170 -- Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) tackles TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Derius Davis (11) during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Raiders saw one of the more accomplished players in the draft still available in the fifth round and used a couple late picks to move way up to get him.
Round 6, pick 203 -- Amari Burney, LB, Florida
Oct 29, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Amari Burney (2) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Considered a LB/S tweener, Burney is one of the better coverage linebackers and the Raiders like to run nickel a lot. He will contribute a great deal on special teams as well.
Round 7, pick 231 -- Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State
ASU defender Nesta Jade Silvera (4) drags down Utah’s Jaylon Glover (1) at Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.
Football Utah Asu Utah At Asu
With their final pick in the draft, the Raiders grab another defensive tackle. Silvera more of the nose tackle variety.
